PUBLISHED under the AUSPICES of the DRAYTON COMMUNITY TRUST (Reg. No. 255846)
DRAYTON CHRONICLE
Issue Editor: Derek Pooley
Volume 36, No.11
CATALOGUE CHRISTMAS
by Doggerelle
In late July a catalogue came, ‘twas posted through my door,
Advertising fancy objects and Christmas gifts galore.
Glancing through its pages I came to this decision -I’d buy from it for Christmas and with flare and great precision
Choose carefully each object to suit each person’s taste
Whilst sitting in my arm-chair, and so no time I’d waste.
For toddler Mike a monkey, pull its string, it climbs a pole,
For discerning old Aunt Agnes a fine Art Deco bowl.
For elegant Isobella a scarf of shining silk
And for Uncle Ted some slippers or something of that ilk.
For fashion conscious Bella a jewelled bright blue bangle
While a tie adorned with fish for brother Ted who likes to angle.
For gourmet George expensive chocs to please his appetite
And whisky for my Uncle Wilf – let’s hope he stays upright!
Note cards for fussy Auntie Flo, showing dress throughout the
ages,
And a book for learned Leonard with near one thousand pages.
For sweet Aunt Jane a calendar depicting cutest kittens
And for Emily who feels the cold some warm and furry mittens.

Volunteer hero and heroine:
Congratulations to Jean Hager and Andrew Bax, on having their
massive contributions to Drayton life over many years recognised
by Vale Volunteer Awards at the recent ceremony in Wantage. 
December 2013

It’s November as I write this and Christmas time is near,
And all my shopping is complete, there is no need to fear
The shove and push in crowded shops, the hassle and the noise,
As anxious shoppers search for gifts and buy expensive toys.
All my cards are written and the parcel packing done,
December now approaches, I’ll have time to have some fun –
With carols, mince pies, pantomimes, mulled wine to hit the spot:
Do I regret no shopping spree? I certainly do not!
To All Our Readers
From the Chronicle Team
Also in this issue:
ps2, 15 and 11: Drayton 2020 update
p3: New Chronicle Advertising charges
p3: Cash, Wine and Biscuit prizes
p5: Val wants gifts for the really needy
p7: Country Music in the Hall
p10: Where to put our VC’s paving stone?
P11: Do you want to self-build or co-house?
 And our apologies for not including them in our November
issue; these official photographs of the presentations by the Leader
of the Vale Council, Councillor Mike Badcock, weren’t available
until after the November Chronicle went to press.
TOP QUALITY - BARN STORED SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS
FOR SALE
£125 per FULL TRAILER load
½ LOAD Available £70
Tel: Julian: 07921102100 / 01235 553468
Harvested from a sustainable source under the Woodland Regeneration Scheme
DRAYTON 2020 UPDATE
Richard Williams
The Drayton 2020 Questionnaire
The returns of Drayton’s neighbourhood plan questionnaire
were quite exceptional. Of 960 copies distributed, 612 completed
surveys were returned, with a total of 1190 respondents taking
part. Our response rate of 64% is more than double the average for
such surveys. Our grateful thanks to all the volunteers who
delivered the forms, talked to people, answered their questions and
then went back again, often several times, to make sure the
responses were collected. And thanks to all the Drayton residents
who took time to complete the questionnaire and for their many
additional comments. Some of the comments were positive, others
more critical, but the purpose was to get as wide a range of
people’s opinions as possible. The comments can be seen in full
on the village website: under ‘Resources, Policy and Evidence’.
The main analysis was done by Oxfordshire Rural Community
Council, and they found overwhelming support for the concept of
a new village green and community centre – 89%. People said
that the types of houses most needed in Drayton were affordable
housing (20%), 2-bedroom (17%) and 3-bedroom (16%) homes
but when asked what type of housing they might choose if they
were to move within Drayton in the next 5 years, the highest
number of people (33%) said a 4 bedroom house. These data may

appear contradictory, but they do make sense.
Tom Shebbeare, Brenda Malin, Purvin Shahin
and Shirley Thomas are all happily distracted from
studying the detailed survey results.
A.L.VICKERY & SON
5, THE GREEN, DRAYTON, OX14 4JA
01235 531497
COOKSHOP – HOUSEWARES – DIY
ELECTRICAL TOOLS – GARDENING
LOCKSMITHS – KEYS CUT WHILE YOU WAIT
OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY, 9.00 to 5.30
CREDIT CARDS TAKEN
Park your car outside the Store
NOW STOCKING HOOVER BAGS AND PRE-PACKED COAL
 For someone already living in Drayton in a 2 or 3 bedroom
house, the majority of the existing stock, there would presumably
not be much point in moving to another house of the same size in
the same village. The main reason for moving within Drayton
would be either to upsize - or downsize.
There was support from 20% of respondents for alternative
types of housing. Of these, just over half expressed an interest in
self-build; 30% in shared ownership schemes, and 18% in cohousing. What we do not know is how many of these people
simply thought that these different types of housing were a good
idea and how many wanted to participate in such schemes. We are
therefore inviting anyone interested in taking part to get in touch
with Drayton 2020, via the Parish Clerk, so that we can put them
in touch with each other (see advert on page 11). There was
widespread support for more energy efficient homes, perhaps not
surprising in this era of rocketing energy prices. Also 68%
supported the notion that every new-built home should be required
to make some form of financial contribution towards village
amenities, whether this is done through existing mechanisms, or
central government’s proposed Community Infrastructure Levy.
Inevitably, many wish that the village could stay as it is. They
see any new housing as a threat, but the census returns tell us that
in the last 10 or 12 years, some 80 new houses have been built in
Drayton and the impact has not substantially changed the character
of the village. The Steering Group hopes that new development
will open up new horizons provide some of the additional facilities
that previous development has failed to deliver.
continued on page 15 
Editors Note: The sites considered for new housing are shown
below and at the bottom of page 15, together with the 2020
evaluation of their merits. Green marks are better than amber,
which are better than red. They are ordered roughly by decreasing
overall attractiveness, from left to right across both pages!
December 2013 – page 2
CHRONICLE INFORMATION
The next Chronicle will be the Jan/Feb issue:
Editor: Tony Holmes, 53 Whitehorns Way (531180).
Deadline for advertisements: 17.00 on Friday, 17 January 2014
Deadline for other contributions: 17.00 on Monday, 20 January
Printed copies available: Friday, 31 January 2014
Key dates for the subsequent two Chronicles:
Issue for
Deadline for contributions:
17.00 on Monday:
Printed Chronicles
available on:
March
17 February 2014
28 February 2014
April
17 March 2014
28 March 2014
Veterinary Surgery at Uptown Farm
94a High Street, Sutton Courtenay
Consultations by Appointment
A dedicated and caring veterinary team – 24-hr emergency cover Ample parking. A branch of our Small Animal Clinic with Hospital
Facilities at 111–113 Park Road, Didcot, OX11 8QT
Please ring 01235 814991
www.larkmead.co.uk
CHRONICLE LOTTERY
Jean Barton, Hon Promoter
RESULTS OF THE NOVEMBER LOTTERY:
CASH
Prize Ticket
Agent
1697
Mrs Chapman, 146 Whitehorns W.
Mirja Boyd
£20
2029
June Greenaway, 15 Eastway Park
Teresa Burnage
£15
106
Carol Arnold, 95 Abingdon Road
£10
981
Mrs Bott, 55 The High Stret
£10
1346
S Woodley, 25 Binning Close
Julie Brown
Michelle
Ainscough
Cathy Norris
£10
1626
Mr and Mrs Tyler, 35 Lockway
Christine Sadler
£10
1085
Clair Wargui, 3 High Street
Ali Bone
£10
244
Mrs Law, 29 Corneville
Ellen Winter
£10
1787
£10
1603
Mr & Mrs Lacey, 15 Whitehorns Way Trudi Buckner
Christine Sadler
Mr Pitts, 27 Lockway
BOTTLES OF WINE
Prize Ticket
254
1st
2nd 1837
Winner
Agent
David Hudson, 21 Corneville
Ellen Winter
A Webb, Windyridge
Clare Soper
Ivor Berry, 7 Eastway Park
Teresa Burnage
3rd
1974
4th
1729
Mrs C Yates, 10 Whitehorns Way
Pat Percival
5th
1380
R Berry, 28 Binnig Cose
Cathy Norris
6th
282
Mrs Winter, 1 Corneville
EllenWinter
7th
1703
Mrs Brandon, 59 Whitehorns Way
Mirja Boyd
8th
851
Joanna Selby, Brambles, Church Lane Susan Brooks
9th
1016
Sue Summers, 83 High Street
10th 1898
K Burrows, 129 Drayton Road
Michelle
Ainscough
Clare Soper
BOXES OF BISCUITS
ADVERTISING RATES
HAVE CHANGED
Prize Ticket
Please note that, as from next month (January 2014)
the advertising rates are increasing by around 20%.
We regret this, but the rate has stayed the same since
2006 and costs have risen over that period.
Charge for a single Block Advert (about 9 x 4.5cms):
Advertiser Category:
Drayton Resident
Non-Drayton Resident
Winner
£25
- - - - Number of Inserts - - - 1
3
6
12
£6
£16
£31
£60
£7
£19
£37
£72
Double-size adverts (e.g. 9x9cm) cost twice the above rates.
All advertising MUST be paid for up-front, either in cash
or via a cheque made payable to ‘The Drayton Chronicle’
and placed in the box at or sent to Vickery’s.
Either submit your advertisement with your cheque in the
Chronicle Box outside Vickery’s, or email your request to:
advertising@draytonchronicle.net.
You can always see this information and details about
deadlines on our website:
www.draytonchronicle.net
If you wish to discuss your requirements you may phone
Stephen Fearnley, the Advertising Manager, on 531347.
Winner
Agent
1st
444 Mrs Stanbridge, 29 Sutton Wick Lane Keith Clough
2nd
827 Hilary Webb, 30 Church Lane
Susan Brooks
3rd
1390 S Hutchinson, 23 Binning Close
Cathy Norris
4th
1557 Mr and Mrs Robinson, 3 Lockway
Christine Sadler
5th
1208 D. Drew, 17 Steventon Road
Judy Henman
6th
553 Mrs Adams, 36 Sutton Wick Lane
Keith Clough
7th
249 Mrs Turner, 27 Corneville
Ellen Winter
8th
1580 Mr Mace, 15 Lockway
Christine Sadler
9th
1988 Reg & Lynn Jones, 11 Eastway
Teresa Burnage
10th
786 Kay Davies, 6 Church Lane
Susan Brooks
Drawn from the 1795 tickets sold
We no longer issue counterfoils with lottery tickets
Instead, the winning numbers are generated randomly using a
computer, as for Premium Bonds and the National Lottery
DISCLAIMER:
This Journal is published in good faith and
great care is taken in its compilation. The organisers of the
DRAYTON CHRONICLE, and its Agents, therefore accept no
responsibility for OPINIONS EXPRESSED, nor for the validity
of any ADVERTISEMENT, nor for any EFFECTS ARISING
WHATSOEVER from the publication.
December 2013 – page 3
ST PETER’S CHURCH
Priest in Charge On maternity leave
Associate Priest
Churchwardens
Organist
Rev’d Rebecca Peters…………531374
Rev’d Rosie Bruce ...................... 525284
Mrs Val Cross ............................ 535183
Mr Colin Arnold ......................... 531923
Vacancy
REGULAR SERVICES
Sunday
8.00 am
10.00 am
Thursday
9.30 am
Holy Communion (Common Worship Traditional)
Sung Eucharist (CW), except the 3rd Sunday,
when there is a non-Eucharistic All-age
Service
Holy Communion (CW) in Lady Chapel.
REGULAR ACTIVITIES
Wed.
Mon.
10.30 am Pebbles (term time only)
7.45 pm Bell Ringing Practice
Church Room
Bell Tower
CHRISTMAS SERVICES:
See advert on the back page
YOU STAY - WE PRAY: DECEMBER
8th to 14th: High Street, Chiers Drive, Cheers Farm, Halls Close;
15th to 28th: Lockway, Whitehorns Way; 29th to 4th Jan.
Corneville Road, Crabtree Lane, Lesparre Close.
Tonks Brothers
Funeral Directors
158 Ock Street, Abingdon,
Oxon, OX14 5DL
Telephone: 01235 – 539444
24 Hour personal service
Dedicated chapel of rest
Pre-paid funeral plans available
Memorials Supplied
LETTER FROM REV. ROSIE BRUCE
Dear Friends,
As the nights grow longer and the
days grow colder, there is a season to
look forward to; the celebrations of
Christmas! Its meaning and effect on
each of us may be different but it is a
time of expectation and tradition. Some
of these may be common to many of us
and some quite personal. Would it feel
strange to go Christmas shopping in the
summer sunshine of Sydney, Australia
instead of the Christmas lights of
Oxford?
During December there will be the special, traditional services
at St Peter’s (see advert on page 16). Especially important to
Drayton is the remembering of loved ones missed at this particular
time. Anyone can do this by writing on a star, which will later
become part of the decorations in church.
At the carol service, crib service, Midnight Mass and Christmas
morning service, everyone is welcome
to come and share in the retelling of the
Christmas story. There will also be a
Christingle service on 19th January to
raise money for the Children’s Society.
Do look out for the special collecting
boxes and help support the work of this
charity.
The deeper meaning of Christmas
can easily be forgotten or swallowed up
by the busyness of the season. It can be
a fun time and it can also be a
meaningful one too. The Christmas
story shows us something about God, giving, loving generously
and sharing. These are things that can make living more
worthwhile if we do them as well.
In A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, the young nephew of
Scrooge tells him, “But I am sure I have always thought of
Christmas time, when it has come round...as a good time: a kind,
forgiving, charitable, pleasant time...And therefore, uncle, though
it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe
that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say; God
bless it!”
And God bless you,
Rosie
FIRST TUESDAY CONNECTIONS
Jean Hager
Are you feeling lonely, isolated or in need of some friendly
company? Why not come along to our monthly tea and chat
afternoons. They are held on the first Tuesday of the month in St
Peter's Church Room from 3.00 pm to 4:30 pm and you are invited
to drop in during these times. The teapot is always at the ready and
you can be sure of a warm welcome. Our next three dates are 03
December, starting at the earlier time of 1.45 pm, 07 January and
04 February 2014. If you need transport or further information
please give me a call on 531558.
Golden Charter
Funeral Plans
Hamel’s Memorials
Memorial Masons / Stone Masons
* Free Inscriptions on all New
Memorials purchased.*
Cleaning, Renovation, Re Fixing & Re levelling,
Additional Inscriptions, Free Brochure.
Visit us at Richs Sidings, Didcot,
Tel 01235 812222
Quality – Flexibility – Reliability
Value for money
Live in 24 hour care
Support with daily living
Day and night sitting
Garden maintenance
Social visits and Palliative care
Light domestic help
Hairdressing & Massage Therapy
Respite care
To find out more about how we can support you or a member of
your family please contact our care team at:
01235 848822/848877
07557 956397
enquiries@homehelperscare.co.uk www.homehelperscare.co.uk
December 2013 – page 4
BAPTIST CHURCH
Church Secretary:
Alice’s Nails and Beauty
Mrs Jayne Henderson………..Tel. 522161
REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES
11.15 am
Presently only one morning service per month.
A Family service on the first Sunday
6.00 pm Evening Service. Traditional format.
EVERYONE IS MOST WELCOME
LOCAL METHODIST WORSHIP
High Street, Milton
Sunday Service: 10.30 am
Local contacts: Geoff or Jean Caudle, 531409
Sabina H air Fashions
86c Abingdon Road, Drayton
Treatments include Acrylic nails, Facials, Gelish, Spray
tanning, Manicures and Pedicures, waxing and more.
½ price Waxing Wednesday and £16 Tans on a Thursday.
Hairdressing available – see below
Contact Alice at the salon for more information
For full details including opening hours please visit website
www.alicenailsandbeauty.co.uk
Hairdressing by Beverley
01235 523773 or 07974 204066
Professional hairstylist in ladies, gents and
children cuts, colours, hair ups and more!
Call now to book your appointment!
10% off for all NEW clients
Loyalty Card Scheme, Free parking.
is going mobile
Please call Margaret on
01235 531444 or 07547 713760
for your next appointment
Appointments available Mondays to Fridays
The Beauty Spot
12 High Street Steventon
OX13 6RS
01235 833277
Email: gemma@thebeautyspot.info
www.thebeautyspot.info
OPI Manicures & Pedicures…Massage…
Lava Shell Massage…Bio Detox…Waxing…
Eyelash & Eyebrow Tinting…
Dermalogica Facial & Body Treatments
Sienna X Spray Tan
*Monthly Special Offers…Evening appointments*
Gift Vouchers available.
YOUR LETTERS
Dear Editor
At St Peter’s Harvest Festival the groceries that were given were
taken to the Abingdon Food Bank where they were gratefully
received. This made us very aware of how important these gifts
were to enable the food bank to help people in need.
St Peter’s would like to continue giving and would like, through
the Chronicle to ask the people of the village if they would also
like to contribute. A list of groceries needed can be seen at
Vickery’s, the church notice board or on St Peter’s website.
We also, at this time of the year give hats, scarves, gloves, socks
and underwear (male) to Luther Street for the homeless.
If anyone would like to donate any of the above to these causes
the church will be open on Wednesdays, the 4th , 11th and 18th of
December from 10 am to 12 noon and on Saturdays the 7th, 14th
and 21st December from 10 am to 11 am.
Thank you
Val Cross, Churchwarden, St Peter’s Church
Dear Editor
I would like to thank Katie Mansfield of Hilliat Fields for all the
help she’s given me in recent years, sometimes at the drop of a hat,
with my Chronicle round; also to wish her and her husband
Samuel all the best for their new venture in Newbury. They have
taken over the ‘Brebis’ (French for ewe) French restaurant in the
Kennet Centre in Newbury (16 Bartholomew Street) and would
love Drayton people to visit.
Judy Henman
Editor’s Note: Since opening in November, Brebis has only
excellent ratings in Trip Advisor, with one customer saying it’s the
best restaurant in Newbury.
JANET LYNN FOOTCARE
Mobile Footcare services including nail trimming, treatment of
corns, calluses, fungal nails etc. in the comfort of your own home.
01235 523773
Suzy Willis & Associates
MCSP HPC
Also available:- Paraffin Wax treatment, and Pedicures & Manicures
CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
Day, Evening and Weekend appointments available
Old Lodge, Henleys Lane
Janet Lynn MCFHP MAFHP
Tel : 07714 568115 www.janetlynnfootcare.com
Fully Insured, and with a clear CRB check
December 2013 – page 5
Drayton, OX14 4HU
Tel 01235 531269
Please ring for an appointment
ALL AROUND
W.I.
Bed & Breakfast
All rooms are en suite
For more information
Ring Glenn or Janet on
01235 531457 or visit
www.theredliondrayton.co.uk
Brenda Malin
November’s meeting was a hands-on evening, making cards
and Christmas stars for the tree. The stars and cards were very
beautiful. We had two new visitors, who I hope will come again,
and from the fun and laughter throughout the evening I am sure
they will.
Our Annual Quiz on Friday was, as usual, a call on the little
grey cells, which worked better for some than others, but was
enjoyed by everyone who attended. Our thanks to Tony Holmesquestion setter, Geoff Caudle-question master, and Daphne and
Geoff Samworth for keeping score, not to mention all the ladies
and Bernard Webb, who set up the hall in the afternoon and
prepared the tasty ploughman’s supper.
Our December meeting, Thursday 12th, is at the usual time
7.30.pm at the Caudwell Day Centre, A Jacobs Join (bring a plate
of food) - Weight Watchers have the night off - enjoy!
DRAYTON WIVES
Bee Byes Guest House
Your Comfort Assured
Sue Birchenough Proprietor
Guest House for the discerning visitor.
1 Haywards Road, Drayton, Oxon, OX14 4LB
Tel: 01235 553775 Mobile: 07809 345576
E-Mail: susanbirchenough@gmail.com
Web: http://www.beebyesguesthouse.co.uk/
The Sitting Room
Quality British Made:
Sofas & Chairs, Recliners, Sofa-beds, Lamps, Mirrors,
Gifts for the home, Occasional furniture
Custom made Curtains, Full Re-Upholstery Service
Gwen Price
In October we had a very fascinating talk with slides given by
Terry Mason, the husband of one of our members. In his youth
from 1961 to 1963 he spent three years working for the Air
Ministry, doing research with five other men, in Antarctica. The
islands where he was were called Orkney and Shetland. The
terrain was flat and the weather cold and windy. Very important to
them were the sixteen dogs. They were on observation watch
every three hours. He saw some lovely wild life including different
species of whales, seals, penguins and flying fish. It was a
wonderful experience for him but he was glad to get home to his
future wife.
December dates:
Mon 9th
Christmas Tea; 2.00 to 4.00 pm
Mon 16th:
Whist: Doreen Eato

Creative Catering
Westbrook Street, Blewbury
Flexible and affordable catering for all your catering
needs, including Weddings, Parties, Pig Roasts, Buffets,
Funerals, Canapé Receptions and Business Lunches.
SHORT NOTICE BOOKINGS WELCOME
15 Years Experience
For more information or menus please phone
01235 850342 or 07743368373
sheilaaustin@btinternet.com
Peter & Amanda Welcome you to our showroom at
22 High Street, Drayton, Abingdon, OX14 4JL
01235 531738 – www.thesittingroom.co.uk
Open 10 – 5 Mon - Sat
Serving Drayton and nearby villages
and towns for the past 22 years
Professional yet personal care for your
pets and home when you’re away
01235 520290 info@keyminders.co.uk
www.keyminders.co.uk
Award-winning restaurant in tropical environment
at newington nurseries
Lovely breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas
Roast lunches every Sunday
Exclusive supper evenings throughout the year
(booking only)
newington nurseries nr stadhampton ox10 7aw
see www.juicy-juicy.net for events taking place this year
Tel 01865 400533
booking advisable – book online or by phone
December 2013 – page 6
closed on Mondays except Bank Holidays
BOWLS CLUB
Bryn Jones
The ‘friendly fours’ competition was a great success, with teams
from Drayton, Oxford and Didcot competing and the outcome a
win for Drayton, the winning team being Olive Brown, Carol
Smith, Graham Lacey and Eileen Long. All those participating
spoke highly of how they enjoyed the day, and hope they will be
invited back again next year. Thanks to Jane and her many helpers.
The afternoon league is well underway now, with both Drayton
teams well placed. The ‘Wasps' are in second place and the
'Hammers' in third spot after 7 matches, but the top six teams are
only separated by a few points so it's looking like anyone of the
six who can put a few good results together could win it. There is
a long way to go as we reach the halfway mark.
Just a reminder to all those who have made it to any of the
finals; they will take place on December 15th starting at 9-30 am.
We are hoping for a good day and hope many members will be
there to enjoy the day.
In closing I would like to wish all our members, old and new, a
happy Christmas and more importantly a healthy new year.
HALL NEWS
Tony Holmes
Bookings
are
holding up quite
well, the Hall seems
very popular for
children’s parties,
and several dog
club groups are
now using us for meetings, and the occasional show, it helps that
we’re nice and central for memberships scattered round the
country.
November saw a stage play for the first time in a while, with the
Abingdon based BreakaLeg team doing ‘The Nightingales’.
Thanks to Deidre Jones and Mike Davies for their expertise in
putting the production together, and the players for their
performances. PLUS our own Fred Stevens, for helping get the
stage lighting ready, and certainly Ann Webb, for her sterling
efforts repairing a number of the stage curtains! There’ll be a
show in the first half of 2014, (Wantage players), and Drayton’s
players may have reformed for a show at some point, perhaps
merging with another group.
I must also mention our Country Music night on December
7th, two live acts plus a buffet and some mulled wine to start the
festive season. Tony Collins (one of the acts) plays a mean fiddle,
and ‘Clear Cut’ is a father & son duo well known on the countrymusic circuit, so do support us if you can, tickets very kindly sold
by Vickery’s. We are hoping for a big crowd, so advance warning
for those nearby, there may be a little overflow parking that night.
At the end of February, we have a folk music night booked (that’s
electric folk) so do look out for that ad next time.
I think I mentioned last time, that we now have two weight-loss
or dietician groups, one each on Tuesday & Wednesday mornings.
Staying with that theme, one of our Zumba girls, (Gemma), is
doing some trial sessions of something a bit different:- Jan 12th,
19th and 26th (Suns) she’s also doing half-hour workouts of
‘H.I.I.T’, that’s High Intensity Interval Training (no dance steps,
just calorie and fat burning!) see the advert on page 10. She tells
me these classes are from top gyms, and studies have shown that
the body continues burning body fat for 48 hours after such
classes! She’s also got a new ‘Calorie Burn’ afternoon (Sun Feb
1st), so all those planning some real Christmas excess do book up
now, details in a separate ad in this issue.
This issue should just be in time for Geoff Caudle’s Carols
Concert (Dec 1st), always very popular. Other Hall news is that
Gary Hibbins has worked hard to get an eager group of volunteers,
and so the Damascus youth group has restarted on Monday
evenings, 6.30 to 8. Also our updated website
(www.draytonvh.co.uk - thanks to Jules Meredith) now has a nice
diary to check as well as how to book.
“Well done ladies”, the Bra Bank has filled up a second bag, it’s
a worthwhile charity helping breast cancer research and the poor
in Africa, so thanks for your support (!) and keep them coming!
(NB If you can bring them in a bag, it makes life a bit easier).
Two of our main user groups have got big functions soon, the
Sequence Dance club has a Christmas party on the 14th, followed
by Bowls club’s Finals day on the 15th. Good luck with those!
In the New Year, we should have a few chats with the 2020
group & Parish Council about long-term usage for the Hall. Those
who’ve been following the 2020 group’s mighty efforts re the
village survey & plan may have seen mention of a new Hall, more
central. Any such Hall will be smaller, for certain groups,
perhaps with a cafe/luncheon club too. The present Hall will still
be needed for sports and other functions (certainly anything
needing a stage) but we’ll hopefully be discussing possible
revamps. I’ve been asking our regular groups for suggestions
about possible changes, but if any of them hasn’t yet made made
contact, or indeed if any villager has suggestions for future use,
please let me know ( 531180 or tony-holmes@ntlworld.com).
DANES/MACE STORE
Mon-Sat 5am-8pm - Sun 6am-7pm
FOR ALL YOUR PAPERS
AND MAGAZINES,
GROCERIES, FROZEN FOODS,
CARDS, OFF LICENCE and
SAVOURY SNACKS.
LINK CASH MACHINE AVAILABLE
LOTTERY TICKETS
In Store Bakery and
Freshly cut sandwiches
MOST MAJOR CREDIT CARDS TAKEN
TEL: 01235 554813
Fax No: 01235 531217
Drayton Post Office
Mon - Fri 9 - 5.30
Sat 9 – 12.30
& CONVENIENCE STORE
Open All Week 8 am – 10 pm
9, The Green, Drayton, OX14 4JA
01235 531359
HAVE YOU TRIED OUR FREE
RANGE EGGS?
Mon to Sat - 9.00am to 1.00pm Except Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm
FREE RANGE EGGS, & POTATOES (if available)
December 2013 – page 7
MORE ALL AROUND
A. GIBBARD
HIGH QUALITY INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
PAINTING AND DECORATING
TEL: 01235 528342 MOBILE 07759 842388
78 STEVENTON ROAD, DRAYTON
Hazel Lee
Painter & Decorator
Interior & Exterior
Free quotes
07866 509683
Drayton Window Cleaning Service
Est 1990 - we provide a friendly reliable service
Every 4-5 weeks - Free quote - no obligation
Craig Taylor Tel: 01235 512881 Mob:07778661548
www.elitewindowcleaningservices.com
A bill can be left for postal payment if you are not home.
Online payment is also welcome.
Other services include: Conservatory roof cleaning;
Fascias cleaning; Gutters Unblocked & Cleaned out
 Do you shop online? Why not help raise funds for preschool
by registering with www.easyfundraising.org.uk and shop with big
names via their site, including Amazon, Boots, Mothercare and
Waitrose, at no extra cost to you! Search for Drayton Preschool
Playgroup.
Lauren Brown
The Brownies have been busy this term making pom pom
animals, animal masks, gem mirrors and decorating mini chocolate
logs! We enjoyed our Robin Hood themed Pack Holiday at Jubilee
House, with Robin Hood themed games and food! Everyone
enjoyed themselves thoroughly! We are also looking forward to
our Christmas pantomime this year, which is Robin Hood at The
Playhouse!
We return on Wednesday 15th January 2014, have a lovely
Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Meetings are held at Drayton Village Hall, on Wednesdays
during school term from 6.15-7.45. Meetings are open to all girls
aged between 7-10 years old. You can register your interest and
the Girl Guiding website and Join Us! Or you can email us on
drayton1stbrownies@live.co.uk .
Further details available from:
Ruth Hudson
Brown Owl 01235 205111
Esther Deabill
Tawny Owl 01235 528502
Annette Mitchell Barn Owl
01235 555216
DRAYTON PRESCHOOL
hazel.lee78@hotmail.co.uk
Laura Hughes
By the time this reaches you, we will have had our Christmas
Fayre and hope to have seen lots of you there making it a big
success! Santa and his elves hope all the children will have a lot of
fun. The run up to Christmas is always busy with gift making and
parties, and the children will be enjoying their party in a few
weeks. They have been making cards and decorations which
family always love.
We also learned about fireworks and safety in November, and
made our very own chocolate sparklers by dipping one end of
chocolate fingers into hot water and rolling them in sugar
sprinkles. A big hit with everyone!
Our next intake will be in January 2014. If you have a child
aged between 2 and 4 years and would like to arrange a visit or put
their name on our waiting list, please contact Nadine on 01235
536094 or email draytonpreschool@btconnect.com. Preschool has
a website http://www.draytonpreschool.co.uk which has lots of
useful information, and we also have a Facebook page which is
regularly updated so please visit and ‘like’ us for the latest news.



SIGNING & LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT CLASSES
FOR BABIES (0–2) & TODDLERS (18 mths–3 yrs)
Sharman Roofing
GRP fibreglass flat-roofing specialist
tiling, slating, leadwork, guttering and fascias,
new builds, re-roofs, extensions and sheds
all work considered, call Mark on
07979 791075
www.sharmanroofing.co.uk
msharmanroofing@gmail.com
Come along and sign, sing and socialise over a cuppa!
Mondays in St Peters Church Hall (9.45-10.45am)
& Drayton Village Hall (1.15-2.15pm)
JOIN AT ANY POINT IN THE TERM.
Contact Chris for more details & to
book a FREE TRIAL: (07927 339102)
chrisl@tinytalk.co.uk www: www.tinytalk.co.uk/chrisl
Why baby sign? Because children have so much to say!
EV ERLA ST
ART STEEL WORKS
Roofing & Building Services
New Roofs • All Flat Roofs • Tiling & Slating • Demossing Chimney
Repairs & Pointing • Facias & Guttering • All Repairs • 24/7 Call Out
No job too small
Drayton Based Company
DRAYTON 1ST BROWNIES
01235 532273
•
07553 911258
Manor Close, Drayton, Abingdon, OX14 4JD
Fabrication/Welding
All Style of Gates
Angle Iron Posts For Chain Link.
Handrails & Railings.
December 2013 – page 8
: 01235 819999 Mob: 0788 0980 425
artsteelworks@aol.com
DRAYTON SCHOOL
Justine Regan
School news:
We have a fantastic new website! Please do take a look:
www.drayton-pri.oxon.sch.uk
School organised a Halloween disco for the children, the
younger children had their disco first, followed by a disco for the
older children. They all dressed up and looked fantastic, staff
helped to decorate the hall and the children were served a hot dog.
They had a lot of fun.
The children of Drayton School raised money for Children in
Need, for a donation, they came into school in their pyjamas and
dressing gowns, and also lots of onesies! It was strange seeing
them running around at lunchtime in their night attire, but they
really enjoyed it, many thanks to all that donated.
We are having a school open afternoon, where parents can come
into the school and join their children in their classes and do some
fun activities together and see what happens during the school day.
Some of the Red Kites class will be singing at the Drayton Carol
Concert on the 1st December.
WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL THE READERS OF THE
DRAYTON CHRONICLE A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND
BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR!
Classroom updates …
Robins Class
Robins had a visit from the Fire Service, the fire engine drove
into school and there were lots of excited children. The Fire
Fighters talked to the children about keeping safe and showed
them around the fire engine, and demonstrated the sirens.
The children have been exploring the changes in weather and
had an opportunity to try puddle painting, they added powder paint
to the puddles, they explored mixing colours and made some
beautiful prints by putting paper onto the top of the puddle.
Puffins Class
Puffins have made their own Bonfire display in the classroom to
celebrate Bonfire night. They collected wood from the wild area
and piled it up in the classroom and added paper flames, they also
made a night sky and designed fireworks to go on the display
using different mediums.
Children made various Rangoli patterns whilst learning about
Diwali (the festival of lights). The whole class made a pattern
using coloured rice, with their own patterns to put on display.
It is that time of year again, where they are preparing for their
Christmas play, lots of learning of songs are going on at the
moment.
Blackbirds Class
Blackbirds have finished the novel 'Fantastic Mr Fox' amidst
much cheering and pretend toasts to Mr Fox from them all. The
children have really enjoyed this book and are now looking
forward to having 'George's Marvellous Medicine' read to them as
their class story. Beware all grannies! They gathered wood and
leaves and lit a small fire in the wild area on a very damp day
recently, as the children are learning to write instructions. Their
first set of instructions was 'How to Light a Fire' - they all had very
smoky clothes to prove it. They have also made firework pictures.
These are up on the wall, as always you are very welcome to come
and have a look at them. They look sparkly and explosive!
Mrs Middleton and the children are pleased to welcome Mrs
Hodder who will be teaching for the first half of the week.
Red Kites Class
Red Kites topic this term is “Help, we're afraid of the toy box!”
Over half term Red Kites left out a toy box with toys in. When
they came back the toys must have come alive and fled from the
toy box as they were all over the school. Each toy held a secret
message. Red kites used a map of their school to find the toys and
unscramble the message that read 'Please help us we are afraid of
the toy box! ' They will be thinking about what the toy box could
have done and how they can help. The children are completing
their own ‘thought bubble’ posters. They are also designing and
making their own terrifying toy boxes, along with writing diary
extracts from tortured toys to writing instructions on what to do if
you happen to come across a terrifying toy box!
Kingfishers Class
Kingfishers have been learning a little about entrepreneur-ism.
They have raised money to buy a tropical fish tank. (Just under
£130.00) And will hopefully soon be getting fish to go in it. They
are continuing on with their theme of Running Wild following the
tracks of a young boy who is caught out in Indonesia when the
tsunami happens. Allowing us to learn about the physical
geography alongside the culture and economic facts of Indonesia.
Eagles
Some of the children in Eagles have been putting themselves
forward to be a member of the School Council, they prepared
speeches and presented them during an assembly on why we
should vote for them, they were so brave (I know I could not do
it!) and came across as really confident. They also had to do other
tasks and the whole school voted on who they would like to have
on their School Council.
Learn to love your computer!
Are you terrified of your computer?
Want help with Windows XP, 7, 8, iPad?
Or do you need to learn new skills?
I can help! At your home, at your pace.
Call Meryl on 07794 656607
meryl.tutor@live.co.uk
Your Computer Tutor
DRAYTON TELEVISION
SERVICES
Digital TV aerials installed
Extra aerial points
Satellite Sky or Freesat
Repairs
TV tuning and programming New TV Sales
Television Wall mounting FREE ESTIMATES
Telephone: 01235 531451
We clean your oven… so you don’t have to.
Do you wish that your oven looked as good as new?
Does the thought of cleaning your oven fill you with dread?
Have you been putting it off for a rainy day?
Do you hate the thought of scrubbing for hours
and still not being happy with the results?
Then call today to have your oven, aga, hob,
extractor or microwave professionally cleaned.
Call now to book your oven valet.
01865 326130
December 2013 – page 9
07711 445190
E: tyronesmith@ovenwizards.com
W: www.ovenwizards.com
PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
Richard Williams
Report of the Meeting held on Monday 4th November 2013
The meeting was attended by three members of the public, in
addition to the councillors. Tony Holmes, the Bookings Secretary
for the Village Hall, spoke about the grant of £3000 that the Parish
Council has already agreed in respect of a new extension to the
GREAT RANGE OF REAL ALES, LAGERS,
hall to provide extra storage facilities. Tony asked if the grant
could be re-assigned to a project which the Hall Committee now
WINES and SPRITS, SOFT DRINKS,
regard as a higher priority; that is, the upgrading of the kitchen and
FRESHLY GROUND COFFEE
the provision of new windows in the main body of the hall. The
OPEN
FROM
11.30am to 11.30pm MONDAY TO THURSDAY
present kitchen equipment is very limited, and not much different
11.00am
to
12pm
FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
from when it was first installed nearly forty years ago. It is felt that
the Hall could attract more bookings of all kinds if the catering
QUALITY TRADITIONAL PUB FOOD
facilities were modernised and made more user-friendly.
SERVED FROM noon to 2.30pm and 6pm to 8.30pm EVERY DAY
The existing windows in the main hall are in poor condition and
GREAT FAMILY GARDEN
single-glazed, so offer little insulation. Their replacement with
new double-glazed units would cut down on future heating bills,
AUNT SALLY
which are becoming an increasing expense. Councillors approved
GOULDY’S QUIZ EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT
this change and agreed to defer the original extension project,
which is still intended to go ahead, though not in this financial
year. In view of plans for a new community centre on the Manor
Farm site, and some uncertainty about how this will impact on the
existing Village Hall, it was also suggested that before any major
structural alterations are carried out on the latter, it would be
sensible to engage an architect, who can look at every aspect of
High Intensity Interval Training
the hall’s functions and come up with an overall plan for
refurbishment. Laurence Zipson now has commitments that clash
with the Village Hall Management Committee meetings and
A class to burn
No dancey steps
Naomi Broomfield’s offer to take on this role was accepted.
body fat plus
or choreography
The question of providing a defibrillator in the village was
discussed, but the consensus was that Drayton is fortunate in being
shape and tone
just the most upvery well served by paramedics: several councillors reported
your whole body to-date exercises
experiences where they have had to call on this service, and a
paramedic has appeared within minutes, in one case while the
in 30 minutes!
that get results.
caller was still on the phone! It was argued that it would be hard to
find a suitable location for a defibrillator that would be secure but
Suitable for men and women of all fitness levels
also accessible at any time of day or night, and from any part of
the village. In any case, by the time the device had been collected
Sundays 6.45pm at Drayton Village Hall
(and how might an elderly person, for example, manage this at 3
£12 for a 3-week course, starting 12th Jan
am on a frosty night in January?) a paramedic would likely be in
attendance anyway. It was resolved not to pursue the matter.
Don’t miss out! Book your place via
The possibility of putting on some kind of commemorative
www.gemmapearcefitness.co.uk
event next year to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of
the First World War was considered. Some residents of the village
may be aware that a young man called Edward John Mott, who
was born in Drayton, fought at Gallipoli in 1915 as a Corporal in
the army’s Border Regiment, and was awarded the Victoria Cross,
Britain’s highest military decoration for gallantry. As part of the
Government’s plans for 2014, any community that was home to a
holder of the VC will be entitled to a commemorative paving
stone, inscribed with the recipient’s details. The PC is looking at
Gym And Fitness Studio
suitable sites where the stone could be put. Incidentally, Mott
Cottages – the new houses just south of the Wheatsheaf, are
named after the young man in question, and his full story was told
We are a small, friendly team with high standards
in the November 2003 issue of the Chronicle, which will be made
Committed to treating YOU as an Individual
available in its archive section on the village website.
To contact any member of the Parish Council messages should
Autumn Offer
be directed to the Parish Clerk, David Perrow, in the first instance.
Daytime Personal Training
David may be contacted via E-mail at draytonclerk@yahoo.co.uk
or by telephone on 07909 176061. Parish Council minutes are now
10 sessions for £150
archived on the village website: www.drayton-near-abingdon.org.
(must be taken between Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
The latter also carries back copies of the Drayton Chronicle,
information on Drayton 2020, and details of other events in the
Millbrook House, High Street, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4EL
village.
01235 863440
The next Parish Council meeting will be on Monday 2nd
www.totalbodyconditioning.co.uk
December 2013, at 7.30pm, in the Caudwell Day Centre in Gravel
Lane. As ever, all are welcome to attend.
December 2013 – page 10
THE RED LION
H.I.I.T.
THE WHEATSHEAF
Austin & Geraldine
welcome you: to enjoy
Traditional Home Cooked Food,
Fine Wines and Beers
In Friendly Comfortable Surroundings.
Take away Fish & Chips:
served Mon - Sat until 8pm
Delicious Home Cooked Roast Lunch:
Sunday 12- 3.30 pm
Senior Citizens Lunchtime Menu
and 6.00 to 7.00 evenings
Tuesday to Friday £6.95 including sweet
Bookings :- call Gel or Austin (01235 531485)
Drayton (on the village green)
PIANO LESSONS
Excellent piano tuition in your own home
All ages and abilities
Contact:
SALLY ANNE MOTT, BA, DipABRSM/LRSM
On 01235 539195
DRAYTON 2020 UPDATE part 3 Richard Williams
 Continued from page 15
Although it was not an issue when 2020 started, the proposal for
an international airport on Drayton’s doorstep has certainly added
an unexpected element in local planning! The Drayton 2020 team
do not know what the eventual outcome of the government’s
deliberations on airport capacity in south-east England will be but
we are confident that there are more practical and affordable
solutions available to the government, and that the costs of any
London Oxford Airport (LOX) would be unaffordable – in both
financial and political terms. If anyone would like to know more
about the arguments against LOX, Drayton Parish Council did
make a detailed response to the Airports Commission. This
document is available to read on the village website: go to the
Parish Council tab, then look under Planning Committee.
Finally, Drayton 2020 would like to express their thanks to all
those who made the effort to come along on either day, or to our
previous consultation events – the ‘Curry’ launch last September,
and the Sunday ‘Tea Party’ event in May. Truly, it is your interest
and support that are at the heart of our Neighbourhood
Development Plan, and we could not do it without you.
Steering Group meetings are open to all Drayton residents, and
are held on alternate Friday evenings in the Caudwell Centre in
Gravel Lane at 7pm. The next scheduled meeting is on Fri 13th
December, which will be the last in 2013. Do come!
For reminders of other Drayton 2020 meetings and events,
please contact the Parish Clerk, David Perrow, via Drayton 2020:
draytontwentytwenty@gmail.com. David can also be contacted at
draytonclerk@yahoo.co.uk or by telephone on 07909 176061. In
addition, the agendas and minutes of all Steering Group and
working sub-group meetings and many other documents relating
to Drayton 2020, including maps, are now available on the village
website: www.drayton-near-abingdon.org
for more information
If you need a self-build plot, or land
for a co-housing community or smallholding
Sometimes in life we all need a little help…
We understand that asking for that help
can be scary but taking that small step
can make life feel so much better
From companionship to personal care, delivered
with a smile and designed to make you feel
special and in control we can be that help.
and you are ready to proceed
we need to hear from you now!
Please contact the Parish Clerk at:
draytonclerk@yahoo.co.uk or on 07909 176061
For more information see www.selfbuildportal.org.uk
or www.cohousing.org.uk or
www.gov.uk/affordable-home-ownership-schemes/sharedownership-schemes
 as well as cutting their pipe leakage, compulsory water
meters and a campaign to reduce personal consumption. There
seems to have been little objection from the public despite the
info@sarahscarers.com
“yuck” factor of using recycled effluent.
Unfortunately, the forecasts for the longer term 2020 to 2040
www.sarahscarers.com
show a very large shortfall for London due to population increases
and possible climate change. Thames Water plans to meet this by
GARD UPDATE
Nick Thompson
one of three options: more re-use, a reservoir or large scale
transfers of water from the river Severn. It is the last of these
Since the Public Inquiry ruled that the massive reservoir
which GARD sees as the cheapest and most appropriate and we
proposed by Thames Water was inappropriate, GARD has
are putting strong pressure on the company to expedite the work,
continued to put strong pressure on Thames Water, challenging
be transparent with the results and impartial in their assessments of
anything which we see as wrongly attempting to further the
the relative costs. We are particularly concerned that to date they
prospect of resurrecting the reservoir.
have ignored offers from both United Utilities and Severn Trent
The present five-year water-planning process indicates a small
Water to supply Thames Water from their resources. We are
shortfall in supply for our area (Swindon and West Oxfordshire)
keeping the Regulators Ofwat and the Environment informed.
and an increasingly large shortfall for London. GARD does not
We will therefore be keeping up the pressure although the next
dispute this, and Thames Water plan to meet the greater demand
plan is five years away. GARD updates will be less frequent, but

by the treatment of more effluent and waste water,
anyone who wishes to know more is welcome to contact me.
December 2013 – page 11
Call Sarah now on 01235 828237
DISTRICT COUNCIL
A J Taylor
Richard Webber
General Services
07906 849524
adrian.taylor6099@ntlworld.com
• All aspects of removals and storage,
plus house clearance welcome
• All gardening jobs such as weeding,
mowing, hedge trimming, removal of
garden waste etc
• Painting and decorating inside and out,
including woodwork, fences and sheds.
K. L. YATES BUILDERS
FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING SERVICES
Extensions and Alterations
Property Maintenance
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Carpentry and Tiling
Call RICHARD for an estimate on
01235 531275 or mobile 07788 738248
BENTON & BRYAN BUILDERS
For all types of building work from a
reliable local company
Extensions, Alterations, Kitchens & Bathrooms,
Carpentry, Decorating, Patios, Plastering,
Roofing, Brickwork and Plumbing
MOB: 07905386150
TEL: 01235 832513
We are told that there is an overwhelming majority of the
world’s scientists who now believe that Global Warming is
happening, that much of it is down to the activities of mankind,
and that we should be doing all we can to prevent it. Yet there
remain some scientists and many others who believe that, even if
there is some Global Warming, it is perfectly natural, it has
happened before many times, and that it is a complete waste of
money to try to affect it.
For me it is a simple issue; an issue of risk analysis. I am with
the majority and think we need to be addressing the problem.
Doing so now will, in the long run, save us a fortune. If I am
wrong, and we do what I am suggesting, we will have wasted
money, maybe lots of it. But if the Climate Change deniers are
wrong, and we do nothing, we will have wasted more than money,
we will have wasted the planet. I would rather explain to my great
grandchildren that I wasted their money than have to explain to
them that, by saving money now, we left them with no future.
And while I am into things environmental, I would like to
conduct a brief personal Christmas consultation. All Millennium
Green visitors will know our Willow Tree. I have wanted to have a
large mature tree in my garden all my life and at last I have got
one. I am told that if we want to install solar panels on our Southfacing roof, the shade from the willow tree will reduce their
efficiency by about 50%. The rest of the family think the tree is
way too big for the garden (which it is), it makes the garden dark,
its leaves are a nightmare to sweep up every year, and its roots are
disturbing the patio. So I have an environmental nightmare on my
hands. Should I defy everyone and indulge my love of beautiful
mature trees or should I bite the bullet and save some money, save
some energy, save the patio and keep the family happy by cutting
the tree down? Any suggestions for solutions to this dilemma
would be much appreciated.
And I am not the only one with the dilemma. The government’s
seemingly desperate drive for more housing (resulting in the
decision of a Planning Inspector to give permission for 160 houses
in South Abingdon) gives the Transport authorities a real dilemma
in judging their approach to the Drayton Neighbourhood Plan. It is
likely that the plan would allow housing in Drayton. The people of
Drayton will have decided where – not developers, district
planners and inspectors. This is Localism which the Government
invented with an Act of Parliament. So which should take
precedence – the wishes of the developer/inspector or the wishes
of the locals. The real irony is that it is Localism which is likely to
deliver housing first – if only because there will be so much less
contention, argument and protest.
The Neighbourhood Plan is now gathering almost unstoppable
momentum. The first draft is being looked at by Parish Council,
soon to be followed by District Council. Drayton now looks like
being the first place in the Vale to produce such a plan. That is
going to produce a lot of outside interest. If you would rather not
be in the spotlight, you might be well advised to stay indoors for
the next few months!
K Boswell Building Services
THOMAS & JARVIS
BUILDERS
EST 1962
01235 531334
07885 308334
Bricklayer and general builder.
23 years’ experience. Fully insured.
email: thomasandjarvis@hotmail.co.uk
EXTENSIONS RENOVATIONS MAINTENANCE
DECORATING DRIVEWAYS PATIOS FENCING
THE COMPLETE BUILDING SERVICE
New builds, extensions, stonework,
repointing, home improvements,
patios, fencing.
All jobs considered. Testimonials available. For a
free, no obligation, quote contact Kevin Boswell
Tel: 07867785151 or email: kjboswell@sky.com
December 2013 – page 12
JEFF’S DRIVING SCHOOL
COUNTY COUNCIL
Richard Webber
COMPETITIVE RATES
Shortage of money is once again the
headline this month. OCC’s lack of
money is going to mean that we all need to
be very clever with how we operate and
plan the County services. Everyone agrees
that of all transport issues, road safety
should always be near the top of the
priority list. The sad statistics around the
Milton Road out of Drayton (3 fatalities in
the last 5 years), and the need for a 40mph
limit on this stretch of road (at present it is
unrestricted) has made us all think hard. I am very pleased to say
that Drayton PC, Milton PC and Milton Park are all expressing an
interest in contributing to the cost of this. County Councillors (for
this year at least) have a small pot – some of which can be used.
The result is that the fighting fund is all but in place. I hope to
have good news in the early new year. In the meantime, please
drive carefully, and slowly.
Social Services, particularly Youth services are very likely to be
cut back in the budget round. This is particularly relevant to our
own Damascus Youth service. I am hoping that the local Parish
Councils and the District Council will feel like gathering round to
ensure the long term survival of this outstanding organisation. I
cannot remember a time when our young people seem happier and
more engaged with the rest of us. (We old ones could still do more
in trying to engage with young people. Smiling and saying hello is
a good start.)
The model of the Damascus Youth Project is admired all across
the wider area and I shall be working with OCC and VWHDC to
ensure the proper funding of Damascus and trying to find ways of
expanding its influence. I am hoping that there could be substantial
economy of scale savings to the public purse.
There is still some money left in the Community grants pot. If
you have a local community project run by a committee and need
some help, please contact me. Or if you have any issues or
problems with County issues; Roads, Education, Social Services
etc, I can always be contacted at
richard.webber77@ntlworld.com or by calling
01235 534001
CONTACT : JEFF COX
OXFORDSHIRE TILING SUPPLIES
NOW OPEN FOR ALL TRADES PEOPLE
AND PUBLIC
01235 – 203038
07866 – 903400
JC_OX14@YAHOO.CO.UK
L
earn to Drive with your Local Instructor
Fast friendly patient tuition
Door to door home or work
Evening and weekend appointments available
Discount on pre-paid block booking
PHILIP PULLEN 07733 360230
email:phil.pullen@btinternet.com
newington nurseries
Specialists in beautiful orchids and
mature garden plants
Come and be inspired!
newington nr stadhampton oxon ox10 7aw (on the A329)
see www.newington-nurseries.co.uk for events taking place this year
Tel 01865 400533
closed on Mondays except Bank Holidays
PROFESSIONAL GARDEN SERVICES
Stephen R. Matthews
16 Frilsham Street,Sutton Courtenay
Oxfordshire OX14 4AZ
Tel: 01235 848163
Mobile: 07796 532356
All kinds of work undertaken, including:
• garden clearance and restoration
• fruit tree, shrub and rose pruning
• hedge cutting, rockeries, turfing
• fencing and landscaping.
Southey Garden Solutions
OFFERING A RANGE OF ADHESIVES, GROUT, LATEX, TOOLS,
MATTING, WATERPROOFING KITS, UNDERFLOOR HEATING
AND A RANGE OF TILES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES
Everyone can have a beautiful garden.
Frustrated with your garden?
Need it to be something it’s currently not?
YOU CAN FIND US AT 4-5 THE QUADRANGLE,
GROVE TECHNOLOGY PARK,
WANTAGE, OX12 9FF
Want to do it yourself but not sure where to start?
Garden Design and Consultancy Services
Find out more with no commitment.
Sara Southey
0R CALL DAMIAN ON – 01235 364920 / 07842024765
OPENING HOURS
MON – FRI 8.00 – 17.30 SAT – 8.30 – 12.30
07860 454514
www.southey-garden-solutions.co.uk
MISSED OUT ON YOUR CHRONICLE?
If by any chance your Area Agent is unable to deliver your
Chronicle one month you can collect a copy from Vickery's shop in
the week after normal delivery time. Lawrence has very kindly
agreed to keep a small stock for us each month.
December 2013 – page 13
WESTMINSTER LETTER
Electrical Problems? Call
ROBERTS
Ed Vaizey
On 7th December this year Small
Business Saturday will be coming to the
UK. It is one day of the year when,
across the country, people are encouraged
to do their shopping exclusively in small
businesses. Businesses supporting the
day provide special offers to help
encourage the public to shop small.
The initiative has been a great success
in the United States, where it was
pioneered by American Express and was
quickly taken up across the country by Federal and State
authorities, big businesses and many other organisations.
President Obama famously took part in 2012, visiting his local
bookshop ‘One More Page.’
This is not a Government led effort; many businesses,
organisations and local authorities are backing it. But the Prime
Minister and Government are fully behind the event and are
working with American Express and other partners to help ensure
it gives the biggest possible boost to small business.
We have some fantastic small businesses across the
Constituency, and this is just the right time of year to be out
shopping, so why not join in?
The largest chunk of correspondence from my constituents
recently has been about the lobbying bill. It had been suggested
that the Bill could stop charities, local organisations and
campaigners from expressing opinions on some policy and
political issues. However, as I have said in all my replies, the
Government has gone to great lengths to make it as clear as
possible that only third-party groups that campaign for the
electoral success of a particular political party or candidate will be
affected by this Bill. Any organisation campaigning solely on
policy issues will not be included in these changes. Despite this, I
am pleased that Ministers have listened to the concerns raised by
charities and have undertaken to see if it could be made even
clearer in the Bill and amendments have now been tabled to do
just that.
As the festive season approaches, may I wish everyone a happy

and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous new year.
ELECTRICAL
Domestic Ï Commercial Ï Industrial
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Electrical Hard Wire Testing
Domestic Electrical Reports
Landlords Certificates
Portable Appliance Testing
Re-wires Full or Part
Extra Power or Lighting Points
Electrical Showers Complete
Security Lighting, Fire & Intruder Alarms
Low Energy Lighting Installations
Data & Telephone Wiring
TV & Home Entertainment Installations
Heating Controls and Wiring
Office: 01235 528800 Mobile: 07786 930463
Windy Ridge Court, Milton Road, Drayton, Abingdon OX14 4EZ
FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS
CPPM ELECTRICAL
All Electrical work undertaken
24 Hour Service
Complete rewiring
Complete Shower Installations
New wall sockets
Lighting installations
Fuse boards consumer units
Repairs
Outside lights
Appliance connections
Pat Testing
Landlord Certificates
Part P Approved
Switches
Fault Finding
Extra Telephone Points
Security Lights
Extractor fans & hoods
www.cppmabingdonelectrical.co.uk
Tel 01235 554655
Mob 07756 353433
SP COURIER SERVICES
‘MOVING ASSISTANCE’
House – Flat – Apartments – Office
FURNITURE MOVED / TRANSPORTED
Ebay COLLECTIONS - DELIVERIES
Tel 07721 679487 & 01235 524589
 As ever, please feel free to contact me at the House of
Commons, SW1A 0AA, by email to vaizeye@parliament.uk or by
phoning 020 7219 6350. My surgery details can be found at
www.vaizey.com.
N. HAYCROFT PLUMBING
M. S. Lally
A complete Plumbing Service
----------------------------------------------------------------------Taps, Tanks, Ball Valves, Leaks,
Stopcocks, Burst Pipes, Pumps, Cylinders,
Immersions, Radiators, Basins, Sinks.
Installation of Washing Machines, Dishwashers,
Showers & Bathrooms
Over 30 years experience
All work fully guaranteed and fully insured
Tel : 01235 814739
G as B oil er Ser v ic e
01235 848592
0796 7015 065
Servicing and Repairs
Systems Installed
Boiler changes
Systems Power Flushed
85 Milton Road, Sutton Courtenay, OX14 4BX
December 2013 – page 14
DRAYTON 2020 - part 2
Richard Williams
 continued from page 2: On transport, the most favoured
traffic calming measures in the village were 20 mph speed limits,
reinforced by speed cameras, but it was also plain that, along the
High Street in particular, people are concerned about large HGVs
and would like a weight limit through the village. Transport is
difficult because the police and Highways Dept of OCC cannot
look at individual villages in isolation but as part of the integrated
road network of the Vale and South Oxfordshire. What happens in
Drayton doesn’t just affect Drayton: it has a knock-on effect on the
surrounding villages and all traffic passing through. The increasing
volume of traffic is obviously of concern, and this may be
reflected in the 50% of respondents who favoured new cycle paths
and the 46% who would like to see a more frequent bus service.
Only 4% were interested in car pools or car-sharing.
On recreation facilities the most popular options were a circular
parish footpath (17%), a nature reserve (16%) and additional play
areas for children (13%). The Steering Group hopes we can
improve existing footpaths and at least two new footpaths are part
of the housing development sites we are discussing, to help
improve connections between different parts of a footpath network
which is already one of Drayton best assets. We would hope that
both new sports pitches and new play areas can also be created
Friday 18th October – the ‘Chilli’ evening.
This was the third public consultation meeting held by Drayton
2020. It was in the Village Hall, where Donald Bruce provided
food for approx 90 people, in the shape of two steaming cauldrons
of chilli con carne (or a vegetarian option) with pita bread and
nachos. This was another delicious catering effort and, whatever
else might be said about Drayton 2020, no one who has attended
any of the meetings could say they have been left hungry. Thanks
also to John and Jayne Henderson who organised the bar and
thoughtfully included, among the bar stocks, a small barrel of the
Abingdon Loose Cannon brewery’s best bitter – this being the
kind of localism that beer aficionados really appreciate.
Gwyn and Margaret Jones, Vesna Brock and many,
many others listen intently!
W. J. TAYLOR & SONS
FORGE GARAGE
HIGH STREET, DRAYTON
Nr. ABINGDON, OXON OX14 4JW
Car, M/C & 3-Wheeler
M.O.T. WHILE YOU WAIT
CAR - Service and Repairs
VINTAGE WEDDING CAR HIRE
Telephone ABINGDON 531350
Thanks also to David Perrow who organised and supervised the
many display panels around the hall. One section
was devoted to the excellent posters, courtesy of
John Minns, of the various sites that have been put
forward for housing development, with their
evaluation against a number of important criteria –
see the panels below and on page 2. Other displays
covered a statistical breakdown of the responses to the village
questionnaire; the historical development of Drayton, with maps;
design and building codes, the latter based on the Vale’s
Residential Design Guide.
The formal hosts for the evening
were Tom Shebbeare and Andrew
Bax, members of the Drayton 2020
Steering Group. They outlined the
history of Drayton’s Neighbourhood
Plan, the reasons why a plan was
adopted in the first place, and what has happened since our launch
night just over a year ago in September 2012. They outlined the
negotiations which have so far taken place with developers, to date
on three separate sites (at the foot of page 2). They explained why
some sites had been progressed and not others; whilst the door has
not been closed to other sites not yet identified, priority will be
given to those that came forward during the period of public
consultation.
It was evident that many people were concerned about the
overall numbers of houses that might be built in Drayton. If all the
developments under consideration were to go ahead, (and ‘if’ is
the key word at this stage), they would amount to between 100 and
150 houses, which is a lot. However, the Plan period takes us up
to the year 2029 and much will depend on whether the South
Abingdon development proceeds as planned. If it does, the
Highways Dept could decide that the road network cannot take so
many houses in Drayton, bearing in mind that new housing is also
being built in surrounding villages like Sutton Courtenay and
Marcham. A further complication is that the Vale’s Local Plan is
not complete, so we have no official target number to work to, and
with pressure from central government to increase house building
across the country, all numbers have to be regarded as provisional.
Concluded on page 11 
December 2013 – page 15
LITTLE-SEEN
DRAYTON TREASURES
DRAYTON DIARY
FOR DECEMBER
Christmas Quilt, expertly sewn by Teresa Taylor.
Ask her nicely and she may show it to you
All events are at Drayton Hall unless stated otherwise
(To book Drayton Hall call Tony Holmes on 531180)
Regular Events are not listed this month but were in November
Sun
1 7.30 pm
Mon 2 7.30 pm
Sat
7 8.00 pm
Sat 14 all day
Sun 15 all day
Candlelight Carol Service
Parish Council
Caudwell Day Centre
Country Music Show (tickets at Vickery’s)
Sequence Dance Christmas Function
Bowls Club Finals Day
And in JANUARY:
Mon 20 9.15 am Chronicle Lottery deadline
Vickery’s
5.15 pm Chronicle copy deadline
Vickery’s box
St. Peter’s Church
Christmas 2013
CAROL SERVICE – Sunday 15 December 4pm
Mulled Wine & Mince Pies
will be served after the Service
CRIB SERVICE
Tuesday 24 December 4pm
MIDNIGHT MASS
Tuesday 24 December 11.30pm
St Peter’s Nativity Triptych, sadly now behind locked doors.
See it open at the Christmas services
CHRISTMAS DAY – Wednesday 25 December
8am Holy Communion
10am Eucharist with Carols
FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
Sunday 29 December
9am (said) Holy Communion
CHRISTINGLE SERVICE
Sunday 19 January 2014 10am
All are welcome at every service.
Messy Church
Drayton Community
Primary School
Sunday 8th December
3-4:30pm
Fun for all the family. Craft and building activities,
games, stories, informal worship and cakes.
Drayton’s new lakeside path!
Turn left at the Milton Road junction and walk across the field
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
STARS FOR REMEMBRANCE AT
ST PETER’S CHURCH
We will again this year be putting up
“Stars for Remembrance” in the church.
The stars will be at the back of the church, on the welcomer’s
table, so if you would like to have a friend or loved one
remembered at Christmas please write their names on a star and
leave in the basket provided.
The stars will also be available at Vickery’s shop this year as
unfortunately the church still has to be locked most of the time.
Thank you
Val Cross
Churchwarden
December 2013 – page 16
Printed by Mayfield Press, Oxford